| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Butterflies or Brick Walls? Butterflies Before The Big Meeting
Ever felt like a swarm of butterflies had taken up residence in your stomach before a big presentation? You’re not alone.
According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, over 75% of people experience some form of pre-presentation anxiety.
In this post, I would like share some thoughts based on my experience and learning from the power of preparation to avoid these butterflies.
Think of it like this: every successful presentation is a well-built castle, and preparation is the sturdy foundation.
While I am trying to share this mainly for a new professional who is trying to prepare for his or her big meeting, but my dear fellow managers while I am sure you would have done this a thousand times, still come on – you cannot take it lightly!
So, here is Battle plan of preparation
- Know Your Audience: You wouldn’t fire arrows at random targets, would you? Similarly, tailor your presentation to your audience’s needs and interests. A survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that 72% of consumers want brands to understand their needs. So, research your client, their industry, and any specific pain points they might have.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Facts and figures are important, but weaving them into a story resonates better. A study by Stanford University found that people are 22 times more likely to remember stories than facts alone. So, structure your presentation as a journey, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and don’t forget the emotional hook!
- Practice Makes Perfect (and Less Sweaty): Rehearse your presentation, out loud, as many times as it takes and in front of a mirror. You know how you look when you present. Mirror never lies.
- Visualize Success: Picture yourself delivering a flawless presentation, engaging the audience, and leaving them impressed. So, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and see yourself nailing that pitch!
- Embrace the Butterflies: Accept them as natural energy. A study by the American Psychological Association found that moderate anxiety can actually improve performance, boosting alertness and focus. Channel those butterflies into your passion and enthusiasm.
Remember, even the most seasoned presenters get nervous.
So, the only key is to prepare well, embrace the feeling, and trust your abilities. When you walk into that meeting room, armed with knowledge, confidence, and a killer presentation, those butterflies will transform into wings, carrying you to presentation paradise.
The butterflies are just there to remind you – this presentation matters, and you’re going to rock it!
Sources:
- McKinsey & Company: https://www.mckinsey.com/: https://www.mckinsey.com/
- Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/: https://www.pewresearch.org/
- Stanford University: https://news.stanford.edu/: https://news.stanford.edu/
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/: https://www.apa.org/
I am sure you must had tons of similar experience please do share in the comments section below.
Join our vibrant community of enlightened readers! Elevate your knowledge with exclusive updates and insights by subscribing today!
A heartfelt thank you for investing your time in reading this article. For a deeper dive into Project and Operations Management, along with best practices, delve into more of my articles at www.projinsights.com.
Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable to us. Reach out to us at [email protected]; we cherish every comment.
If you’ve found value in my content and feel like supporting, why not treat me to a coffee?
And here’s an invitation: Subscribe to experience daily blog posts. Don’t keep this treasure to yourself—share it with your family and friends. Thank you!